Page 29 - Miss No Label
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Kinkakuji, a zen temple, is one of the most popular buildings in Japan.
Famously known as the’ Golden Pavilion’, it is the symbolic image of Kyoto in
all its Golden splendour. Formally known as Rokuonji, the temple was the
retirement villa of the shogun Ashikaga Yoshimitsu, and according to his will
it became a Zen temple after his death in 1408. Kinkakuji is an impressive
structure which has been burned down numerous times throughout its
history, including twice during the Onin War, a civil war that destroyed much
of Kyoto; and once again more recently in 1950 when it was set on fire by a
fanatic monk. The present structure was rebuilt in 1955. It is designated as a
National Special Historic Site and a National Special Landscape. The Golden
Pavilion is set in a magnificent Japanese strolling garden. The pavilion grounds
were built according to descriptions of the Western Paradise of the Buddha
Amida, intending to illustrate a harmony between heaven and earth.
Located at Kita Ward, Kinkaku-ji is open daily from 9am to 5pm. Admission is
¥400.